The Las Vegas NBA Summer League has once again become the proving ground for emerging basketball talents, shedding light on the potential stars of the 2024 NBA draft. Contrary to pre-league skepticism, the initial week showcased a plethora of promising rookies who have risen to the occasion, providing an early rebuttal to the notion of a historically weak draft class.
Among the standout performers were Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and Bub Carrington. These young players did not shy away from the spotlight on Day 1, each delivering impressive performances that left scouts and fans buzzing. Reed Sheppard, in particular, stood out with his exceptional feel for the game and extraordinary confidence. One NBA executive commented, "Reed Sheppard, for example, has blown me away with his feel for the game and confidence. These guys are different players now than they were in March."
In addition to these younger talents, the Summer League also highlighted the preparedness of older rookies such as Dalton Knecht, Tristan da Silva, and Terrence Shannon Jr. Their performances demonstrated that experience can often be an equally vital asset on the court. Moreover, younger prospects like Tidjane Salaun, Cody Williams, and Kel'el Ware showed a readiness beyond what was anticipated, further adding to the intrigue surrounding this draft class.
One player who has not shied away from criticism is Ron Holland II. The talented forward voiced his frustration over the criticism aimed at his draft class, stating, "It definitely makes me mad that people would say that. But we go out here and play the game of basketball and just show everybody, show the whole world why we really want [to be] the best competitive class."
Bronny James has been another focal point of the Summer League. Representing the Lakers in matchups against the Rockets, Celtics, and Hawks, James had a mixed showing but displayed notable perseverance. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the team's long-term developmental plans for James, saying, "He is a development player. That's how we're looking at Bronny. He's certainly going to spend time with the Lakers. He will spend time as well in the G League." A Western Conference scout added, "No one can withstand the scrutiny he is under."
In other notable news, the LA Clippers and star forward Paul George were unable to agree on a contract extension. Initial offers from the Clippers, which reportedly started at around $60 million for two years but without a no-trade clause, failed to meet George's expectations. The Clippers' desire to maintain future cap flexibility contributed to the breakdown in negotiations. As a result, Paul George signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, marking a significant shift in the NBA landscape.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have expressed interest in acquiring Russell Westbrook as a veteran backup point guard, signaling their intent to strengthen their roster with experienced talent. Unfortunately, for DaRon Holmes II, the Summer League spelled an untimely setback. The 22nd overall pick in the draft, Holmes suffered a torn Achilles, sidelining him for the upcoming season. Holmes had shown great promise, especially with his impressive averages of 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds at Dayton.
The NBA's decision to implement a new two-day draft format has garnered positive feedback from executives. The additional time between the first and second rounds allowed teams to regroup and make more informed decisions. One executive noted, "Having the ability to regroup after the first night and then meet most of the following day created a great process for our group in determining our next moves." Another executive praised the approach, stating, "This is how billion-dollar businesses like ours should be operated. Especially in this new world of staring down the second apron with tens of millions of dollars in potential luxury tax implications on the line."
As performances in Las Vegas continue to unfold, the opinions about the 2024 draft class are taking shape, driven by the remarkable displays of both seasoned and young talents. The Summer League serves as a crucial stage for these potential future stars to validate their skill sets and solidify their stances in the minds of NBA teams and executives.